US8739387B1 - Reusable cable tie - Google Patents

Reusable cable tie Download PDF

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Publication number
US8739387B1
US8739387B1 US14/072,074 US201314072074A US8739387B1 US 8739387 B1 US8739387 B1 US 8739387B1 US 201314072074 A US201314072074 A US 201314072074A US 8739387 B1 US8739387 B1 US 8739387B1
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United States
Prior art keywords
locking members
strip
tie
connecting end
locking
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Expired - Fee Related
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US14/072,074
Inventor
Dov Frishberg
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
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Priority to US14/072,074 priority Critical patent/US8739387B1/en
Priority to US14/288,886 priority patent/US20150121680A1/en
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Publication of US8739387B1 publication Critical patent/US8739387B1/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
    • B65D63/10—Non-metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Filamentary elements, e.g. strings, threads or wires; Joints between ends thereof
    • B65D63/1018—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like
    • B65D63/1027—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like the integral securing member being formed as a female and male locking member, e.g. locking head and locking teeth, or the like
    • B65D63/1063—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like the integral securing member being formed as a female and male locking member, e.g. locking head and locking teeth, or the like the female locking member being provided with at least one plastic barb
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23P—METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; COMBINED OPERATIONS; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS
    • B23P19/00—Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformation; Tools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes
    • B23P19/04—Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformation; Tools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • F16B2/08—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using bands
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
    • F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
    • F16L3/23—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other
    • F16L3/233—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band
    • F16L3/2332—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band having a single plastic locking barb
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
    • F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
    • F16L3/23—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other
    • F16L3/233—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band
    • F16L3/2336—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band having two or more locking barbs
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
    • Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/14—Bale and package ties, hose clamps
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/14—Bale and package ties, hose clamps
    • Y10T24/1402—Packet holders
    • Y10T24/1404—Cord
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/14—Bale and package ties, hose clamps
    • Y10T24/1498—Plastic band
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tie device for use in tying at least one object and, more particularly, a reusable tying device.
  • Cable ties have been known in the past (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,131,168 and 8,474,104 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0234524). Many of these ties are used once and then thrown away. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a reusable cable tie.
  • the present invention provides a method of using a tie for tying at least one object. More particularly, the tie is equipped with a strip, which includes a tip, a connecting end opposite the tip, and a plurality of teeth arranged on the strip between the tip and the connecting end.
  • a locking head is connected to the connecting end of the strip and includes a plurality of locking members for engaging the strip. A first one of the locking members is located adjacent the connecting end of the strip, while a second one of the locking members is located remotely from the connecting end of the strip.
  • Each of the locking members includes an opening for passage of the strip therethrough and a locking tab for allowing the strip to move through the opening of a corresponding one of the locking members only in one direction.
  • the locking head also includes at least one connector connecting each of the locking members to an adjacent one of the locking members.
  • the method includes the steps of placing the tie around the at least one object; and passing the strip through the opening of the second one of the locking members in the one direction so as to tie the at least one object.
  • the method also includes the steps of cutting or separating the connector connecting the second one of the locking members to an adjacent one of the locking members, thereby disconnecting the second one of the locking members from the locking head; and moving the second one of the locking members along the strip toward the connecting end of the strip for subsequent use of the tie.
  • the tie also includes a locking head connected to the connecting end of the strip.
  • the locking head has a free end opposite the strip and includes a plurality of locking members arranged linearly or in parallel along the locking head.
  • Each of the locking members is provided with a single opening for passage of the strip therethrough and includes an entry side, through which the tip of the strip is inserted into a corresponding one of the openings, and an exit side, through which the tip of the strip exits from a corresponding one of the openings.
  • Each of the locking members is constructed such that the strip can pass through a selected one of the openings only in one direction.
  • the locking members are arranged such that all of the entry sides of the locking members are located on the same side of the locking head.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable tie constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an in-use schematic, partial cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 1 after its initial use.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cable tie of FIG. 1 , illustrating its subsequent use.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a cable tie 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the tie 10 includes a strip 12 having an insertion tip 14 a at one end thereof, a connecting end 14 b opposite the tip 14 a , and a pair of sides 16 , 18 . Teeth 20 are provided on the side 16 of the strip 12 along substantially the entire length thereof.
  • the tie 10 also includes a locking head 22 attached to the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 opposite the insertion tip 14 a .
  • the locking head 22 includes a plurality of locking members 24 a - 24 d , which are identical to each other in construction and operation.
  • the locking members 24 a - 24 d are constructed in a manner similar to that of locking members in conventional cable ties. Examples of conventional cable ties are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,131,168 and 8,474,104 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0234524, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • the locking members 24 a - 24 d are arranged linearly or in parallel along the locking head 22 such that the locking member 24 d is positioned farthest away from the tip 14 a of the strip 12 , while the locking member 24 a is located closest to same. As a result, the locking member 24 d is positioned at an end of the tie 10 opposite the tip 14 a , while the locking member 24 a is connected to the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 .
  • the locking members 24 b , 24 c are positioned between the locking members 24 a , 24 d .
  • Each of the locking members 24 a - 24 d is connected, either directly or indirectly, to the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 .
  • Each of the locking members 24 a - 24 d is provided with an insertion side 26 , an opposite exit side 28 (see FIG. 2 ).
  • each of the locking member 24 a - 24 d includes a single channel or opening 30 extending between a corresponding pair of the insertion sides 26 and the exit sides 28 of the locking members 24 a - 24 d .
  • Each of the channels 30 of the locking members 24 a - 24 d is sized and shaped such that the insertion tip 14 a of the strip 12 can be inserted into the channel 30 from its associated entry side 26 and exit therefrom from its associated exit side 28 .
  • all of the entry sides 26 of the locking members 24 a - 24 d are positioned on the same side of the locking head 22 .
  • a locking tab 32 projects into each of the channels 30 of the locking members 24 a - 24 d for engaging one or more of the teeth 20 of the strip 12 .
  • the locking tab 32 of each of the locking members 24 a - 24 d is flexible so as to allow the strip 12 to move only in one direction (as indicated by Arrow A in FIG. 2 ) such that the strip 12 can be locked in place with a selected one of the locking members 24 a - 24 d .
  • each of the locking tabs 32 is provided only on one side of a corresponding one of the channels 30 of the locking members 24 a - 24 d (i.e., either sides 30 a of the channels 30 proximate the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 or sides 30 b of the channels 30 remote from the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 ).
  • the locking tabs 32 can be provided on both sides of the channels 30 , in which case the teeth 20 are provided on both of the sides 16 , 18 of the strip 12 for engaging the locking tabs 32 .
  • each of the locking members 24 a - 24 d is connected to an adjacent one of the locking members 24 a - 24 d by a connector 34 .
  • Each of the connectors 34 is provided with a sufficient strength to withstand the force needed when the cable tie 10 is used in tying cables (or an object or objects) tightly.
  • Each of the connectors 34 is adapted so as to be cut with a cutting tool, such as scissors, a knife, etc., or otherwise disconnected.
  • the entire tie 10 can be constructed as a single, integrally molded piece and made from any suitable conventional material, such as plastic.
  • the tie 10 including the locking head 22 , is flexible such that it can wrap around a group of cables (or an object or objects) for securing same.
  • the various components of the tie 10 e.g., the strip 12 , the locking head 22 , etc. can be made separately and then attached to each other.
  • the tie 10 is placed around cables B (only two of which are shown in FIG. 2 in broken-line representation) in a conventional manner.
  • the tip 14 a of the tie 10 is then inserted into the channel 30 of the locking member 24 d (i.e., the locking member which is located the farthest from the tip 14 a when the tie 10 is in its linear orientation as shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • the strip 12 is pulled through the locking head 24 d until the tie 10 wraps tightly around the cables B.
  • the connector 34 connecting the locking member 24 d to its adjacent locking member i.e., the locking member 24 c
  • the locking member 24 d is cut such that only the locking member 24 d is separated or disconnected from the rest of the locking head 22 , causing the tie 10 to release.
  • the locking member 24 d is moved along the strip 12 toward the locking head 22 (as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 3 ) such that it is positioned at or adjacent the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 proximate the locking member 24 a (i.e., the locking member which is located closest to the strip 12 ). Throughout such movement, the locking member 24 d is engaged with the strip 12 .
  • the tie 10 can be reused to tie cables or other objects in basically the same manner discussed above (e.g., by inserting the strip 12 through the locking member which is the farthest from the tip 14 a , namely the locking member 24 c as illustrated in FIG. 4 ).
  • the tie 10 can be provided with any number of locking members (e.g. two or more). Moreover, the tie 10 can be used to hold together objects other than cables.
  • each of the locking members 24 a - 24 d can be formed as a member that is separate and distinct from one another and connected directly to the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 by a separate and independent connector. As a result, the locking members 24 a - 24 d in this embodiment are not connected to one another and do not therefore form a single, integral, linear locking head.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Package Frames And Binding Bands (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a tie and a method for tying at least one object. More particularly, the tie has a strip, which includes a tip, a connecting end opposite the tip and a plurality of teeth arranged on the strip between the tip and the connecting end, and a plurality of locking members, which are connected to the connecting end of the strip. Each of the locking members includes an opening for passage of the strip therethrough and a locking tab for engaging at least one of the teeth so as to allow the strip to move through the opening of a corresponding one of the locking members only in one direction. The method includes the steps of placing the tie around at least one object; passing the strip through the opening of a first one of the locking members in the one direction such that the tie wraps around the at least one object; and disconnecting the first one of the locking members from the connecting end of the strip while leaving at least another one of the locking members connected to the connecting end such that the tie can be reused for tying another object.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tie device for use in tying at least one object and, more particularly, a reusable tying device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cable ties have been known in the past (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,131,168 and 8,474,104 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0234524). Many of these ties are used once and then thrown away. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a reusable cable tie.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of using a tie for tying at least one object. More particularly, the tie is equipped with a strip, which includes a tip, a connecting end opposite the tip, and a plurality of teeth arranged on the strip between the tip and the connecting end. A locking head is connected to the connecting end of the strip and includes a plurality of locking members for engaging the strip. A first one of the locking members is located adjacent the connecting end of the strip, while a second one of the locking members is located remotely from the connecting end of the strip. Each of the locking members includes an opening for passage of the strip therethrough and a locking tab for allowing the strip to move through the opening of a corresponding one of the locking members only in one direction. The locking head also includes at least one connector connecting each of the locking members to an adjacent one of the locking members. The method includes the steps of placing the tie around the at least one object; and passing the strip through the opening of the second one of the locking members in the one direction so as to tie the at least one object. The method also includes the steps of cutting or separating the connector connecting the second one of the locking members to an adjacent one of the locking members, thereby disconnecting the second one of the locking members from the locking head; and moving the second one of the locking members along the strip toward the connecting end of the strip for subsequent use of the tie.
Another embodiment of the present invention involves providing a strip having a tip, a connecting end opposite the tip and a plurality of teeth arranged on the strip between the tip and the connecting end. The tie also includes a locking head connected to the connecting end of the strip. The locking head has a free end opposite the strip and includes a plurality of locking members arranged linearly or in parallel along the locking head. Each of the locking members is provided with a single opening for passage of the strip therethrough and includes an entry side, through which the tip of the strip is inserted into a corresponding one of the openings, and an exit side, through which the tip of the strip exits from a corresponding one of the openings. Each of the locking members is constructed such that the strip can pass through a selected one of the openings only in one direction. The locking members are arranged such that all of the entry sides of the locking members are located on the same side of the locking head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable tie constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an in-use schematic, partial cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cable tie of FIG. 1 after its initial use; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cable tie of FIG. 1, illustrating its subsequent use.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a cable tie 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the tie 10 includes a strip 12 having an insertion tip 14 a at one end thereof, a connecting end 14 b opposite the tip 14 a, and a pair of sides 16, 18. Teeth 20 are provided on the side 16 of the strip 12 along substantially the entire length thereof.
Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tie 10 also includes a locking head 22 attached to the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 opposite the insertion tip 14 a. The locking head 22 includes a plurality of locking members 24 a-24 d, which are identical to each other in construction and operation. The locking members 24 a-24 d are constructed in a manner similar to that of locking members in conventional cable ties. Examples of conventional cable ties are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,131,168 and 8,474,104 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0234524, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The locking members 24 a-24 d are arranged linearly or in parallel along the locking head 22 such that the locking member 24 d is positioned farthest away from the tip 14 a of the strip 12, while the locking member 24 a is located closest to same. As a result, the locking member 24 d is positioned at an end of the tie 10 opposite the tip 14 a, while the locking member 24 a is connected to the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12. The locking members 24 b, 24 c are positioned between the locking members 24 a, 24 d. Each of the locking members 24 a-24 d is connected, either directly or indirectly, to the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12.
Each of the locking members 24 a-24 d is provided with an insertion side 26, an opposite exit side 28 (see FIG. 2). In addition, each of the locking member 24 a-24 d includes a single channel or opening 30 extending between a corresponding pair of the insertion sides 26 and the exit sides 28 of the locking members 24 a-24 d. Each of the channels 30 of the locking members 24 a-24 d is sized and shaped such that the insertion tip 14 a of the strip 12 can be inserted into the channel 30 from its associated entry side 26 and exit therefrom from its associated exit side 28. In one embodiment, all of the entry sides 26 of the locking members 24 a-24 d are positioned on the same side of the locking head 22.
A locking tab 32 projects into each of the channels 30 of the locking members 24 a-24 d for engaging one or more of the teeth 20 of the strip 12. The locking tab 32 of each of the locking members 24 a-24 d is flexible so as to allow the strip 12 to move only in one direction (as indicated by Arrow A in FIG. 2) such that the strip 12 can be locked in place with a selected one of the locking members 24 a-24 d. In one embodiment, each of the locking tabs 32 is provided only on one side of a corresponding one of the channels 30 of the locking members 24 a-24 d (i.e., either sides 30 a of the channels 30 proximate the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 or sides 30 b of the channels 30 remote from the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12). In another embodiment, the locking tabs 32 can be provided on both sides of the channels 30, in which case the teeth 20 are provided on both of the sides 16, 18 of the strip 12 for engaging the locking tabs 32.
Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the locking members 24 a-24 d is connected to an adjacent one of the locking members 24 a-24 d by a connector 34. Each of the connectors 34 is provided with a sufficient strength to withstand the force needed when the cable tie 10 is used in tying cables (or an object or objects) tightly. Each of the connectors 34 is adapted so as to be cut with a cutting tool, such as scissors, a knife, etc., or otherwise disconnected.
As shown in FIG. 1, the entire tie 10 can be constructed as a single, integrally molded piece and made from any suitable conventional material, such as plastic. The tie 10, including the locking head 22, is flexible such that it can wrap around a group of cables (or an object or objects) for securing same. Alternatively, the various components of the tie 10 (e.g., the strip 12, the locking head 22, etc.) can be made separately and then attached to each other.
In order to tie cables together, the tie 10 is placed around cables B (only two of which are shown in FIG. 2 in broken-line representation) in a conventional manner. The tip 14 a of the tie 10 is then inserted into the channel 30 of the locking member 24 d (i.e., the locking member which is located the farthest from the tip 14 a when the tie 10 is in its linear orientation as shown in FIG. 1). Thereafter, the strip 12 is pulled through the locking head 24 d until the tie 10 wraps tightly around the cables B.
To release the cables B from the tie 10, the connector 34 connecting the locking member 24 d to its adjacent locking member (i.e., the locking member 24 c) is cut such that only the locking member 24 d is separated or disconnected from the rest of the locking head 22, causing the tie 10 to release. Once released, the locking member 24 d is moved along the strip 12 toward the locking head 22 (as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 3) such that it is positioned at or adjacent the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 proximate the locking member 24 a (i.e., the locking member which is located closest to the strip 12). Throughout such movement, the locking member 24 d is engaged with the strip 12. Because the locking members 24 a-24 c remain on the locking head 22, the tie 10 can be reused to tie cables or other objects in basically the same manner discussed above (e.g., by inserting the strip 12 through the locking member which is the farthest from the tip 14 a, namely the locking member 24 c as illustrated in FIG. 4).
It should be noted that the present invention may have many modifications and variations. For instance, the tie 10 can be provided with any number of locking members (e.g. two or more). Moreover, the tie 10 can be used to hold together objects other than cables. In one embodiment, each of the locking members 24 a-24 d can be formed as a member that is separate and distinct from one another and connected directly to the connecting end 14 b of the strip 12 by a separate and independent connector. As a result, the locking members 24 a-24 d in this embodiment are not connected to one another and do not therefore form a single, integral, linear locking head.
It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

I claim:
1. A method of using a tie, the tie having a strip, which includes a tip, a connecting end opposite the tip and a plurality of teeth arranged on the strip between the tip and the connecting end, and a plurality of locking members, which are connected to the connecting end of the strip, each of the locking members including an opening for passage of the strip therethrough and a locking tab for engaging at least one of the teeth so as to allow the strip to move through the opening of a corresponding one of the locking members only in one direction, said method comprising the steps of:
placing the tie around at least one object;
passing the strip through the opening of a first one of the locking members in the one direction such that the tie wraps around the at least one object; and
disconnecting the first one of the locking members from the connecting end of the strip while leaving at least another one of the locking members connected to the connecting end of the strip such that the tie can be reused for tying another object, the first one of the locking members being connected indirectly to the connecting end of the strip via the at least another one of the locking members prior to the performance of said disconnecting step.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of moving the first one of the locking members along the strip toward the connecting end of the strip for subsequent use of the tie.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the locking members are formed as a single locking head connected to the connecting end of the strip, the at least another one of the locking members includes a second one of the locking members, the first one of the locking members being positioned remotely from the connecting end of the strip, the second one of the locking members being positioned adjacent the connecting end of the strip, the locking head including at least one connector connecting each of the locking members to an adjacent one of the locking members.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least another one of the locking members includes a third one of the locking members, the second one of the locking members being connected directly to the connecting end of the strip, the third one of the locking members being positioned between the first one and second one of the locking members.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least another one of the locking members includes a fourth one of the locking members, the fourth one of the locking members being positioned between the first one and third one of the locking members.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein the tie has an end opposite the tip of the strip, the first one of the locking members being located at the end of the tie.
7. The method of claim 3, wherein said disconnecting step includes the step of separating at or cutting the connector connecting the first one of the locking members to an adjacent one of the locking members, thereby disconnecting the first one of the locking members from the locking head.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein the first one of the locking members is engaged with the strip throughout the performance of said moving step; and wherein said moving step includes the step of positioning the first one of the locking members at the connecting end of the strip.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of placing the tie around at least one other object; and passing the strip through the opening of the at least another one of the locking members in the one direction such that the tie wraps around the at least one other object.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said passing step includes the steps of inserting the tip of the strip through the opening of the first one of the locking members and tightening the tie around the at least one object.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one object includes a plurality of cables.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first one of the locking members is connected to the at least another one of the locking members prior to the performance of said disconnecting step.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least another one of the locking members includes at least two of the locking members.
14. A method of using a tie, the tie having a strip, which includes a tip, a connecting end opposite the tip and a plurality of teeth arranged on the strip between the tip and the connecting end, and a plurality of locking members, which are connected to the connecting end of the strip, each of the locking members including an opening for passage of the strip therethrough and a locking tab for engaging at least one of the teeth so as to allow the strip to move through the opening of a corresponding one of the locking members only in one direction, said method comprising the steps of:
placing the tie around at least one object;
passing the strip through the opening of a first one of the locking members in the one direction such that the tie wraps around the at least one object;
disconnecting the first one of the locking members from the connecting end of the strip while leaving at least another one of the locking members connected to the connecting end of the strip such that the tie can be reused for tying another object; and
moving the first one of the locking members along the strip toward the connecting end of the strip for subsequent use of the tie,
wherein the locking members are formed as a single locking head connected to the connecting end of the strip, the at least another one of the locking members includes a second one of the locking members, the first one of the locking members being positioned remotely from the connecting end of the strip, the second one of the locking members being positioned adjacent the connecting end of the strip, the locking head including at least one connector connecting each of the locking members to an adjacent one of the locking members,
wherein the at least another one of the locking members includes a third one of the locking members, the second one of the locking members being connected directly to the connecting end of the strip, the third one of the locking members being positioned between the first one and second one of the locking members.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least another one of the locking members includes a fourth one of the locking members, the fourth one of the locking members being positioned between the first one and third one of the locking members.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the tie has an end opposite the tip of the strip, the first one of the locking members being located at the end of the tie.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein said disconnecting step includes the step of separating at or cutting the connector connecting the first one of the locking members to an adjacent one of the locking members, thereby disconnecting the first one of the locking members from the locking head.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the first one of the locking members is engaged with the strip throughout the performance of said moving step; and wherein said moving step includes the step of positioning the first one of the locking members at the connecting end of the strip.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of placing the tie around at least one other object; and passing the strip through the opening of the at least another one of the locking members in the one direction such that the tie wraps around the at least one other object.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein said passing step includes the steps of inserting the tip of the strip through the opening of the first one of the locking members and tightening the tie around the at least one object.
US14/072,074 2013-11-05 2013-11-05 Reusable cable tie Expired - Fee Related US8739387B1 (en)

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US20160244228A1 (en) * 2014-02-21 2016-08-25 Raul Eduardo Montejo Double Sided Closure Fastener
USD769704S1 (en) * 2015-05-13 2016-10-25 Gye S. Nitta Pointed zip tie
US20170088322A1 (en) * 2015-09-25 2017-03-30 David Reinke Cable tie
CN106945938A (en) * 2017-04-01 2017-07-14 顺丰速运有限公司 Package bar
USD792196S1 (en) * 2016-03-01 2017-07-18 Gye S. Nitta Live bait zip tie
USD800539S1 (en) * 2014-02-20 2017-10-24 Hellermanntyton Corporation Aerial support tie
USD803031S1 (en) * 2015-06-24 2017-11-21 Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Clip
US9958089B2 (en) 2014-09-29 2018-05-01 Hellermanntyton Corporation Lashing support spacer tie
USD818802S1 (en) * 2016-07-19 2018-05-29 Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Clip
USD820667S1 (en) * 2016-12-13 2018-06-19 Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Clip
US20180237193A1 (en) * 2016-03-03 2018-08-23 Ptah Inc. Cutting type cable tie
US10112755B1 (en) 2017-07-25 2018-10-30 Claude Cressy Reusable cable ties
GB2562201A (en) * 2017-05-05 2018-11-14 Christopher Bates Steven Double ended cable tie
USD835495S1 (en) * 2017-07-20 2018-12-11 Tenacious Holdings, Inc. Cable tie anchor point
WO2019051624A1 (en) * 2017-09-13 2019-03-21 黄铭德 Method for using single bundling strap as multiple bundling straps and construction thereof
USD844416S1 (en) * 2017-06-08 2019-04-02 Hellermanntyton Corporation Tie tail cut-off shield
USD844417S1 (en) * 2017-10-04 2019-04-02 Gye S. Nitta Live bait zip tie
US20190119018A1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-04-25 Erik Vaclav Chmelar Easy-to-remove cable tie
US10472149B2 (en) 2015-11-17 2019-11-12 9191-1230 Quebec Inc. Tie wrap connector and strap kit
USD888542S1 (en) * 2018-07-06 2020-06-30 Wiles Technologies LLC Tie strap with grip
US10717572B2 (en) 2017-07-04 2020-07-21 Wiles Technologies LLC Reduced slip tie strap
US10774953B1 (en) 2019-08-16 2020-09-15 Fei-Lung Ku Cable tie
US10875691B1 (en) * 2015-09-09 2020-12-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Cable tie with multi-slot head for attachments
DE102019122136A1 (en) * 2019-08-16 2021-02-18 Fei-Lung Ku cable ties
GB2591823A (en) * 2020-02-10 2021-08-11 Francis Slater Nigel An adaptor for use with an elongate strip
US11174083B1 (en) 2020-05-05 2021-11-16 Pedro Rivero Dual locking assembly for straps
US11180299B1 (en) 2019-10-09 2021-11-23 Raul E. Montejo Rotatable multipositional fasteners
USD939936S1 (en) * 2019-08-26 2022-01-04 Hon Electrical Co., Ltd. Cable tie
GR20210100381A (en) * 2021-06-10 2023-01-10 Σπυριδων Διονυσιου Παπαθεοδοσιου Tie with two or more securing locks
USD1010430S1 (en) * 2019-12-24 2024-01-09 C.B. S.R.L. Costruzioni Brescianini Cable clip
US12012267B2 (en) 2022-01-11 2024-06-18 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Cable tie arrangement

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USD840788S1 (en) 2014-02-20 2019-02-19 Hellermanntyton Corporation Aerial support tie
USD800539S1 (en) * 2014-02-20 2017-10-24 Hellermanntyton Corporation Aerial support tie
US20160244228A1 (en) * 2014-02-21 2016-08-25 Raul Eduardo Montejo Double Sided Closure Fastener
US9958089B2 (en) 2014-09-29 2018-05-01 Hellermanntyton Corporation Lashing support spacer tie
USD769704S1 (en) * 2015-05-13 2016-10-25 Gye S. Nitta Pointed zip tie
USD803031S1 (en) * 2015-06-24 2017-11-21 Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Clip
US10875691B1 (en) * 2015-09-09 2020-12-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Cable tie with multi-slot head for attachments
US20170088322A1 (en) * 2015-09-25 2017-03-30 David Reinke Cable tie
US10472149B2 (en) 2015-11-17 2019-11-12 9191-1230 Quebec Inc. Tie wrap connector and strap kit
USD792196S1 (en) * 2016-03-01 2017-07-18 Gye S. Nitta Live bait zip tie
US20180237193A1 (en) * 2016-03-03 2018-08-23 Ptah Inc. Cutting type cable tie
USD818802S1 (en) * 2016-07-19 2018-05-29 Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Clip
USD820667S1 (en) * 2016-12-13 2018-06-19 Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Clip
CN106945938A (en) * 2017-04-01 2017-07-14 顺丰速运有限公司 Package bar
GB2562201A (en) * 2017-05-05 2018-11-14 Christopher Bates Steven Double ended cable tie
USD844416S1 (en) * 2017-06-08 2019-04-02 Hellermanntyton Corporation Tie tail cut-off shield
USD863045S1 (en) * 2017-06-08 2019-10-15 Hellermanntyton Corporation Tie tail cut-off shield
USD863044S1 (en) * 2017-06-08 2019-10-15 Hellermanntyton Corporation Tie tail cut-off shield
US10717572B2 (en) 2017-07-04 2020-07-21 Wiles Technologies LLC Reduced slip tie strap
USD835495S1 (en) * 2017-07-20 2018-12-11 Tenacious Holdings, Inc. Cable tie anchor point
US10112755B1 (en) 2017-07-25 2018-10-30 Claude Cressy Reusable cable ties
WO2019051624A1 (en) * 2017-09-13 2019-03-21 黄铭德 Method for using single bundling strap as multiple bundling straps and construction thereof
USD844417S1 (en) * 2017-10-04 2019-04-02 Gye S. Nitta Live bait zip tie
US20190119018A1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-04-25 Erik Vaclav Chmelar Easy-to-remove cable tie
US10994906B2 (en) * 2017-10-23 2021-05-04 Erik Vaclav Chmelar Easy-to-remove cable tie
USD888542S1 (en) * 2018-07-06 2020-06-30 Wiles Technologies LLC Tie strap with grip
US10774953B1 (en) 2019-08-16 2020-09-15 Fei-Lung Ku Cable tie
DE102019122136A1 (en) * 2019-08-16 2021-02-18 Fei-Lung Ku cable ties
DE102019122136B4 (en) 2019-08-16 2022-08-25 Fei-Lung Ku cable ties
USD939936S1 (en) * 2019-08-26 2022-01-04 Hon Electrical Co., Ltd. Cable tie
US11180299B1 (en) 2019-10-09 2021-11-23 Raul E. Montejo Rotatable multipositional fasteners
USD1010430S1 (en) * 2019-12-24 2024-01-09 C.B. S.R.L. Costruzioni Brescianini Cable clip
GB2591823A (en) * 2020-02-10 2021-08-11 Francis Slater Nigel An adaptor for use with an elongate strip
US11174083B1 (en) 2020-05-05 2021-11-16 Pedro Rivero Dual locking assembly for straps
GR20210100381A (en) * 2021-06-10 2023-01-10 Σπυριδων Διονυσιου Παπαθεοδοσιου Tie with two or more securing locks
US12012267B2 (en) 2022-01-11 2024-06-18 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Cable tie arrangement

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